Gin Jubilee Kuala Lumpur is Back!

After a 3-year hiatus (no thanks to the pandemic!), Malaysia's (arguably) biggest gin event is back and will take place from 15 to 27 May 2023.

This year’s Gin Jubilee will feature 10 gin brands and a total of 20 bars.

Heineken Wants to Encourage You to #WorkResponsibly

Heineken recently launched ‘The Ghosted Bar’ campaign to encourage Malaysians to stop ghosting their friends and to #WorkResponsibly. 

This came about after Heineken's YouGov survey which unveiled that 41% of employees in Malaysia have ‘ghosted’ their friends due to work obligations (we at Angeltini are ashamed to say that we have been guilty of this once too many times!), whilst 91% of Malaysians believe that having a good social life helps with managing stress levels at work. 

Read on to find out how you can #WorkResponsibly and grab a bucket of Heineken for you and your friends!

Revisiting Campbeltown Whiskies - Exclusive Media Tasting Session

It's not very often we get to try the Campbeltown whiskies side by side - so when we were invited to attend a special media tasting at Jin Gastrobar recently - there was no way we were going to miss it.

We have a soft spot for family owned / independent distilleries and Springbank happens to be Scotland's oldest, having established in 1828.

Celebrating Spring Harvest with Roku Gin

From 6 April to 26 May 2023, Roku Gin is collaborating with some of the trendiest cocktail bars in Klang Valley to create cocktails that celebrate the "Shun" spring harvest - the Sakura, Grapefruit, Apricot, Kumquat, Plum and Honeydew.

"Shun", (旬 , pronounced shoon) in Japanese means seasonal ingredients that are harvested at its peak - when it is at its very best, most succulent, and flavourful.

Penrose will feature grapefruit cocktails that pairs with the fruit's citrus, tart and bitter flavours.

Rising Sun, The Sakura’s Calling, Momoiro (RM 55)

For more and reservations:149, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
M : +6016 230 0905
www.instagram.com/penrose.kl/

Monkey Shoulder's Rewrite the Night

Monkey Shoulder wants to to show you new ways to experience whisky at Factory 19 PJ from 17 to 18 March, 3pm to 12am. This event would also feature popular local DJs, fun & games, local F&B brands and bartending champions.

 

Look out for a night of fun with: 

Connor's St Patrick's Celebration

Connor’s St. Patrick’s Day bash, which will be held for the entire month of March, features happy hour promotions at almost 200 entertainment outlets nationwide, with chances to win prizes and exclusive collectibles from 50 outlets on 17 and 18 March, where there's an ultimate prize of aa pair of Marshall earbuds worth RM599 to be won.

Guinness St. Patrick’s Celebration

Guinness Malaysia is celebrating St Patrick's Day all March long with its “Our Day to Remember” campaign with a series of activities, games and prizes at participating bars and pubs from now until the end of March.

Carlsberg 2023 Chinese New Year Campaign

You know Chinese New Year is around the corner when all the boozy boys start launching their Chinese New Year campaigns. Carlsberg too is bringing us fun activities, promotions and giveaways for this festive celebration so read on for details.

Lillet 150th Anniversary Celebration @ Desa ParkCity Waterfront

Lillet marked this milestone with a global campaign aimed at spotlighting and supporting women in hospitality called ‘L Pour Elle’ (L for Her). 

 

World Gin Day with Caorunn and Jay Gray

Caorunn kickstarted a 3-day celebration of this year’s World Gin Day (which falls on the second Saturday of June annually) with Jay Gray, bartender and co-founder of Sago House, Singapore.

Jay Gray at the trade masterclass

 

GinRum.Me 2020

Covid-19 has been a huge downer ... BUT rain, shine or virus, we must keep our spirits (glasses) up!

GinRum.Me is back in its third year with a new format for the new normal featuring 9 weeks of spirits experiences with gins, tequila and a mezcal across 8 bars in Klang Valley and even 4 in Ipoh!

Dram & Leaf - Penang's First Specialist Bottle Shop

A big congratulations to Ben Ng (of Drinks Alliance), and his partners on the opening of Penang's first retail shop offering fine things for sale and experiential sessions.

 
What fine things? Here is rundown of what they have to offer:

WhiskyPlus 2019 Does Penang

Here's one for the whisky lovers in Penang - WhiskyPlus, arguably Malaysia's largest whisky event, will be coming over to you!

WHERE:
Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort

WHEN: 
Saturday, November 30, 2019 (Session One 12-5pm; Session Two 6-10:30pm)

PRICING: 
Entry passes for attendees range from RM178 (regular entry) to RM298 (VIP entry).

Just some of the whiskies featured at the recent WhiskyPlus 2019 KL event

WHAT DO YOU GET: 
Unlimited samplings of whiskies and spirits to try, from the familiar big names to independent bottling and even new expressions, a Glencairn-style whisky tasting glass, and a food box to line yout tummy! VIP entry pass will receive additional privileges and goodies, including access to the older and higher-end expressions of whiskies poured by each exhibitor.

DISCOUNTS:
1) Be a Dram Full - Malaysia member on Facebook (free!) and you get RM40 off the ticket price.
2) If you're a The Glenlivet Guardians member, you'll also get RM40 off the ticket price.
Both requires a special code to redeem your discount. :)

Some more of the good stuff featured at the recent WhiskyPlus 2019 KL event

FOR MORE: 
Email info@whiskyplus.my or head on to www.whiskyplus.my

WIN!
We've got 2 pairs of tickets worth RM356 each to give away. All you have to do is participate in our little contest on Facebook and Instagram!

Don't say we #bojio!

Margaret River Tours Kuala Lumpur

When in Perth for the first time, what would you do? Well if you love your wines, it's got to be a visit to Margaret River. It has built its reputation as Australia's "mecca" of premium wines. While the region produces less than 3%  of Australia's wine, it accounts for more 1/5 of its premium wine.

Margaret River on Tour made its debut in KL at the newly revamped Pullman KLCC on the 24th of August.

It featured 10 brands including Cape Mentelle, Churchview Estate, Flametree, Howard Park, Pierro Margaret River Vineyards, Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, Woody Nook, and Xanadu for wines, and the Margaret River Distilling Company for a selection of whiskies and gins.

We got to meet winemakers, owners, and producers and VIP guests could also attend the masterclass hosted by a panel of winemakers to learn more about the quality of wines from Margaret River and what makes them unique.

The place was really packed! No surprises there because the entry price was a well-priced RM120 (RM100 for early birds.

Let's all hope they'll be back again next year, and make it bigger!

Thanks for having us, Thirstmag.

For more: https://margaretriverontour.com/

-Jon

(Images from Thirstmag)

AD Ratttray Whisky X Mooncake Pairing

Thanks to Thirstmag, we had some whisky and mooncake fun at Pullman KLCC's Blu Bar & Cigar in conjunction with the upcoming mid-autumn festival.

AD Rattray is an independent company that bottles whisky ans has been around since 1868. AD Rattray buys spirits and whiskies in casks, then age and blend them into their own label's expressions.

Ben Ng of Drinks Alliance (Also Dram & Leaf, also Mish Mash) took us through the tasting.

His advise for a good pairing is to pick mooncakes which are not too sweet, has subtle flavours, and the texture shouldn't be too wet or sticky.

We sampled:

• Stronachie x lotus paste mooncake - the whisky is like a blank canvas that intensified the sweetness of the mooncake
• Cask Orkney 18YO (Limited Edition) x roselle and berry mooncake - surprisingly, this combination of the tart and sweet mooncake with the salty slight peatiness of the whisky
• Cask Islay x green tea mooncake - FA's favourite, the combination has a creamy toasty ice cream flavour that works so well.

Thank you Chef Jeffrey of Red Chinese Cuisine in Pullman KLCC for showing us some love in your handmade mooncakes.

- Jon

Kronenbourg's Dinner in Blue

On 12 July 2019, French wheat beer, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, celebrated Bastille Day in Kuala Lumpur. The Frnech National Day, also known as Bastille Day, actually  falls on 14th July.

In conjunction with the celebrations, an opulent “Dinner In Blue” dining experience in true blue fashion was held at Chateau de Caffeinees. Celebrating all things French, the dinner included a fashion show as Kronenburg 1664 is also the official sponsor of the upcoming KL Fashion Week 2019 (KLFW 2019) which takes place from 21st to 25th August.

To conclude the meal, we were served a decadent dessert by Nathalie Gourmet Studio for a excellent finish. The evening was accompanied with French music and ended with a spectacular display of fireworks in celebration of Bastille Day.

In addition to the celebration, limited-edition designer merchandise up for grabs in the September campaign - enjoy Blue Happy Hours from now till end August to get a FREE half pint of 1664 Blanc! Simply spend RM50 and above every Friday when dining at participating modern bars, cafes and restaurants nationwide.

Carlsberg Team in Blue: Ted Akiskalas - MD, Gary Tan - Sales Director, Caroline Moreau - MD, Lim Chee Kaet - CFO, Pearl Lai - Corporate Communications & CSR Director, Lew Yoong Fah - Government Affairs & Duty Free Director, Felicia Teh - HR Director

For more, visit www.facebook.com/KronenbourgMY or www.carlsbergmalaysia.com.my.

- Jon

Images by Carlsberg.

Carlsberg Red Barley

As a proud supporter of Liverpool FC and a long time sponsor since 1992, the Carlsberg Group decided to create a special brew to celebrate their 25th year in partnership.

Carlsberg Red Barley is a limited-edition 4.5% ABV pilsner that gets its distinctive colour from a barley variety that is specially curated and bred by the scientists at Carlsberg Research Laboratory.

This brew, according to the official tasting notes (because if nobody got to taste this unless you're one of the lucky 9 winners in Malaysia), is suppose to have clean, crisp and slightly hoppy taste expected from a traditional pilsner. Due to the barley’s rarity, Carlsberg Red Barley was produced in very limited quantities.

Carlsberg Malaysia only managed to get a few bottles (9!) into the country which they decided to give away during the long-awaited showdown between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at the Thirsty Bar, PJ  Two Square during the Champions League finals on 1 June.

Some of the lucky Red Barley winners.

Now, if only they had opened their winnings to share. :(

- Jon

Images from Carlsberg.

WhiskyPLUS KL 2019 - Game Plan

Malaysia’s Premier whisky and (some spirits) tasting event returns for its second year.

Some of whiskyplus kl 2018's offerings.

It is going to be bigger and better with even more brands than last year. Expect 50 participating brands including independent bottlings and new expressions to the market.

Some important details:

Where: Pavillion Hotel (next to Pavillion Mall)
When: 15th June - Session 1: 12-4pm, Session 2: 5-10pm.
Discounts available to: The Glenlivet Guardians Malaysia, Dram Full Malaysia members, bulk purchases
Expect: A set meal, a tasting glass, access to the main tasting floor, opportunities to join masterclasses, pop-up bars, a VIP Lounge to access a selection of premium whiskies (for VIP pass holders),  the return of the popular Collector’s Corner (featuring a special selection of exceptional purchase-by-the-dram old and rare whiskies), complimentary F&B vouchers for restaurants at Pavilion Hotel and its sister Banyan Tree property, a Cigar Corner in the main tasting room (and you can smoke your cigar at the Whisky Cove lounge!)
Ticketing & more info: Check out https://www.whiskyplus.my

Some strategies on how to get through the event:

1. Your ticket purchase comes with a set meal - please make sure you eat and line your stomach if you want to last the session.
2. Strong tasting foods will affect the taste and scent of your whiskies, so maybe not have them before the event. Also note that curries and chillies will hurt your nostrils IF you puke.
3. 50 whisky brands, with a few expressions each. 4-5 hours. Pace yourself. Head for the ones you’ve never seen or heard first. 
4. Spam your body with lots of water. Water will be made available everywhere for free. Take this opportunity to "rinse" your glass in between your tasting so that your next dram won't be affected by your previous tasting.
5. I’d STRONGLY advise you to not go home driving - Grab the MRT or a cabby/e-hail ride please. 
6. Don't lose the given tasting glass otherwise how on earth will you get the exhibitors to pour you some whisky? Well, if in the event that you do, you can purchase another at a very cheap RM15 each.
7. Stay classy and don't be a nuisance please. Don't be that idiot that causes a scene and then get viralled for all the wrong reasons. We deserve nice things! Also - there will be no-nonsense security guys stationed all over so you wouldn't want to be messing with them, trust me.
8. Lastly, have a swell time. For the price you pay, you're getting fed, so much whisky, a tasting glass, discount vouchers, chance to taste some rare stuff, and hang out with classy like-minded people. What a treat!

See you there!

So don’t say I bojio! If you do recognise us, do hit me up and slainte mhath with me.

See you then!

- Jon

P/s: We have a pair of Gold Pass tickets to giveaway. How? 
1) Share this post on your Facebook timeline
2) Tag the person you'd like to bring & tell us why you want to go.
3) Leave a comment on https://www.facebook.com/Ang3ltini so we know you're participating.

Carlsberg CNY 2019 campaign ‘Pops’ lots of luck and prosperity

Managing Director Lars Lehmann, Chairman Datuk William Toh flanked by the management team of Carlsberg Malaysia officiated Carlsberg’s CNY campaign “Prosperity Begins With A POP!” which runs till 17 February 2019 nationwide.

Carlsberg Malaysia’s 2019 Chinese New Year campaign kicked off with a grand opening dinner on the 8th January 2019 at the Hao Xiang Chi (HXC) Grand Ballroom in ICC Pudu.

We feasted on beer infused CNY-themed dishes! Hic. 

Themed “Prosperity Begins with a POP!” wishing us an abundance of Prosperity, Happiness, Wealth and Good Luck in vibrant red, green, pink and blue colours across its limited-edition packaging, promotions and campaign activities.

Dato Joey Yap who is also part of Carlsberg Malaysia’s “prosperity’ campaign. You can check your chinese zodiac forecast for 2019 on CarlsbergMY’s Fb page as Dato’ Joey Yap unveils his predictions for the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs in relation to the elements of Prosperity, Happiness, Wealth and Good Luck. Get them on www.facebook.com/CarlsbergMY or www.probablythebest.com.my

Joey Yap wishes youy luck you luck everyone luck!

By now, the CNY Carlsberg festive promo would also be carried out across pubs, restaurants, food courts, coffee shops as well as super-and-hypermarkets. On top of that and back by popular demand for its third consecutive year is the “Probably The Best CNY Shopping Experience” where you have the opportunity of winning the Grand Prize of a trolley full of groceries paid for by Carlsberg.

There are lots more of prizes to be won, like the e-mahjong table set, angpows, all their range of beers - check out their facebook or website (link above) for more.

My prediction? It is going to to be a hot Chinese New Year, so everyone's going to be drinking a lot! Ong Ahhhhhh!

Gong xi fa chai everyone!

- Jon

(Images: Carlsberg)

Guinness Draught Food Pairing at Makhan Kitchen

Does Guinness pair with food? We find out when celebrity chef Sherson Lian at Makhan of Kitchen Mafia was tasked to prove it. Being an avid stout drinker myself, this was a media dinner promises to be a treat.

(L to R) HEINEKEN Star Academy draught master, Jonathan Chong, Marketing Manager of GUINNESS Malaysia, Archana Sridhara, GUINNESS Expert, Cian Hulm & Head Chef of Makhan by Kitchen Mafia, Sherson Lian

The menu started with a Tamarind Chilli Grilled Tiger Prawns with the prawn head separately served fried in salted egg and flavoured by curry leaves and Crispy Tandoori Spiced chicken on Brioche on the side

The main course was a delectable Pistachio and Herb crusted Leg of Lamb with jus infused with Coffee and Morel (Jus = juice drippings from the meats’ frying).

The grand sweet finale ended with a Belgian Dark Chocolate Ganache slice with sea salt and nitrogen charged smoked cream. Bonus: we had a cheese platter to end the night.

NOM NOM NOM.

The light bitter creamy texture of Guinness Draught paired well with everything, of course. I am at opinion that spicy food, meats, food which are heavy in oils and rich desserts go well with Guinness. Yes, and so did blue cheese!

The event also paved 2 other agendas for the Guinness branding, which was the education of the two part pour of the Guinness Draught. All guests were required to pour their own Draught under the supervision on Draught Master Jonathan Chong before we were allowed to go home (haha).

We were also introduced to Cian Hulm (pronounced KEEan), the latest Guinness Brand Ambassador in Malaysia. He apparently is also an ambassador of Ireland, quoting him, “the certificates you’ve just earned for the participation of the Guinness Draught two part pour will guarantee you an entry into Ireland”.

Selamat datang, Cian.

Mr. Hulm, I will your words to test very soon!

- Jon

(Images: Guinness/Heineken Malaysia)